LG Electronics sells mosquito-repelling TV in India

SEOUL, June 17 (Reuters) - The Indian arm of South Korea's
LG Electronics Inc has begun selling a TV with a
feature that it says repels mosquitoes, which can spread
diseases such as malaria, Zika and dengue.

The TV's "Mosquito Away Technology" uses ultrasonic waves
that are inaudible to humans but cause mosquitoes to fly away,
according to the company. It was released in the country on
Thursday, LG said.

The same technology, which was certified as effective by an
independent laboratory near Chennai, India, has been used by LG
in air conditioners and washing machines, the company said.

The technology, which also functions when the TV is switched
off, is available in two models, priced at 26,500 rupees and
47,500 rupees ($394 and $706).

The TV is targeted at lower-income consumers living in
conditions that would make them vulnerable to mosquitoes.

It will go on sale next month in the Philippines and Sri
Lanka. Kim Sang-yeol, an LG Electronics official, said there are
no plans for now to market it elsewhere.

The company began developing the set before the outbreak of
the Zika virus in Latin America, which has fuelled concern over
safety at the Olympic Games set to begin in August in Rio de
Janeiro.

LG said on its website that the TV is not intended to
replace other mosquito-deterrent devices.
($1 = 67.2560 Indian rupees)
(Reporting by Nataly Pak; Editing by Tony Munroe and
Christopher Cushing)